PM’s resignation seen as way out
Written by Admin on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
PM’s resignation seen as way out
SIRIKUL BUNNAG
About a third of the 200 lecturers from 40 institutions who attended the Council of University Lecturers’ seminar yesterday believe Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej’s resignation is all that is needed to end the political turmoil.
When the council asked the 200 academics for their views on the possible solutions yesterday, about 32% suggested that Mr Samak resign if he really wants calm return to the country.
Another 27% suggested the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the government should settle their differences peacefully through negotiations.
Suggested solutions included the dissolution of parliament, consultations in parliament, the end of PAD demonstrations and the formation of a ”government of national reconciliation”.
The lecturers gathered for their annual seminar at Ramkhamhaeng University in Hua Mark yesterday.
Chaiya Kudakhan, chairman of Srinakharinwirot University’s Council of Lecturers and Civil Servants, said he did not want to see more violence.
If the two sides coud not settle their differences through peaceful means, the best alternative was for the government to show some responsibility by resigning, he said.
Mr Chaiya said he followed the joint parliamentary debate and concluded it was of no benefit to the public at all.
The government was simply defending its actions.
Mr Samak did not acknowledge problems or admit any responsibility for the turmoil, he said.
Thicha na Nakhon, representative of Women and Political Reform Organisation, said her organisation will write to the prime minister’s wife, urging her to help arbitrate the disputes.
Sunai Pasuk, coordinator of Human Rights Watch Thailand, said the crisis was in danger of escalating if there was no proper intervention.
Adul Khiewboriboon, committee chairman of the May Heroes Relatives Group, urged those masterminding the rallies to end their political games.
The Network of Health Civic Groups and the Network of Health Researchers in 14 Southern Provinces have also announced their support for the anti-government movement.
Representative Asst Prof Dr Pongthep Suthirawut said they would launch their own form of civil disobedience against the state by refusing to cooperate in the implementation of government policies.
